Jokhang Temple, Lhasa is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lhasa and receives innumerable tourists round the year. Placed in the heart of the city of Lasha, the temple was constructed in the year 647 AD and extends over an area of 25 sq km. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa has been recognized by the UNESCO as the world heritage site.
Jokhang Temple, Lhasa was originally built for the preserving the Sakayamuni Statues which were received by Princess Wen Cheng of Tang dynasty and Princess Bhirkuti as wedding gifts. The site of the temple was a lake earlier. The structure of the temple thus collapsed many a times as it lacked a strong foundation. It was pointed out by the princess Bhirkuti later, that the temple being situated on the site of the lake is the reason behind its collapse. As such, the lakes were filled up with the soil brought by over 1000 sheep from a nearby mountain.
Jokhang Temple, Lhasa resembles a perfect combination of architectural style of the Tang Dynasty as well as the architectural styles of the Tibet and Nepal. The wooden chamber within the temple complex comprises four floors with gilded tiled top. At the top there are two slabs bearing inscriptions: one speaks of the alliance between the kings of Tibet and Tang while the other one tells the ways of preventing small pox which was incurable in medieval China. The principal hall was built about 1300 years ago and contains the Sakyamuni Statue.
Near the entrance of the temple premises, a Dharma wheel, flanked by the two deer is placed. It is the ritual to prostrate inside the temple complex as well as in front of the statue. At the second floor of the complex you will find the statues of King Gumpa and his two wives.
Jokhang Temple, Lhasa is open for public visits from 9 a.m. To 8 p.m. You need at least 4 hours to go round the entire complex. As the location of the temple is in central Lhasa, the temple is accessible from all points of the city. Make sure to pay a visit this well known temple during your trip to the place.
travel.mapsofworld.com thus provides online information on Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
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